Fan Clutch, thermal or non-thermal?

[Hedgehog]

The fan on my AMC 360 moves very easily, even at running temperature. I'm thinkin' the fan clutch might very well be toast. So, which is better a thermal fan clutch or a non-thermal clutch?

Apparently the thermal clutch doesn't engage until the engine is at running temperatures. The non-thermal engages at low RPM (as does the thermal unit) and doesn't pay attention to the engine temp.

Part of me says, "Let the engine heat up."

The other part says, "We are in a very warm climate, the engine will heat up just fine, besides the extra thermal coupling is just another thing to break or wear out."

Does one thought have merit over the other?

 

[FLYNHYCJ7]

Sounds more like personal preference, but given the fact you live in the desert heat , I would think you would want the engine to run as cool as possible. Just my 2c

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[Lumpy Grits]

Cold engine-How many times around, does the fan spin when you 'flip' it by hand?
If only a couple of turns, you're GTG.
Now--Go get that Warn mounted up.
LG

 

[Hedgehog]

While working on my emissions issue Rob at Willys Works gave the fan a spin and mentioned that the fan clutch was warn out because the fan shouldn't turn that easily. No, he didn't have one to sell me so it wasn't part of a pitch, just a random observation. I noticed the same thing so it was in the back of my head anyway. Cooling hasn't been an issue though.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

When a TC fan dies. There front to back play on the shaft and usually a 'trail' of the fluid being thrown around the fenders and hood.
ME-I like and use the TC type fan clutch. Engine warms up faster and it's quieter.
LG